2003 Ford Explorer structure problems
354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2003 Ford Explorer — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“There is a crack down the middle section of the liftgate for quite some time. The liftgate has been unlocking and opening automatically by itself. On only rare occasions has the liftgate opened all the way while driving. On the morning of 7/28/2022 while the vehicle was parked in my driveway the…”
filed Aug 1, 2022
“Rear window lower panel plastic cracking up, replaced three times, still cracking due to no support and bending too much, I called ford does not care if continues cracking up, it looks ugly also panels can cause an accident to other cars getting into their windshields loose parts. They know about…”
filed Aug 2, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE LIFTGATE GLASS STRUT MAY BECOME DISENGAGED OR THE…Campaign 04V442000 · Sep 13, 2004
- CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT…Campaign 03V094000 · Mar 7, 2003
Related service bulletins
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel…
TSB 19-2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2019
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 6 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 23 | 6% |
| 2020 Explorer | 43 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 146 | 51% |
| 2018 Explorer | 286 | 40% |
| 2017 Explorer | 642 | 38% |
| 2016 Explorer | 577 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 401 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 274 | 16% |
| 2013 Explorer | 436 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.